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Visitors to the County Durham coast will soon have to pay for parking after a council approved new charges.

There were almost 3,000 objections from the public, but Durham County Council voted through the changes on 20 February.

It will cost up to £3 per day to park at sites in Seaham and Crimdon from April.  

A Highways Committee meeting heard how the council was the only authority on the North East coast to offer free parking.

The council said the plans would raise much-needed funds, as well as increasing the turnover of spaces. 

It said coastal car parking areas within Seaham were often full which led to congestion, limited availability, and difficulties for both visitors and local businesses.

One of residents' concerns was the impact the charges would have on local businesses, but the council hope the charges will increase footfall in commercial areas, such as Church Street. 

From April 1, visitors will be charged £1 per hour or £3 all day to park at the following sites: 

Charges will also be introduced on the eastern side of North Road.

However, car parks around the town will remain free. 

'Deter visitors'

Councillor Kevin Shaw, of Dawdon ward which covers Seaham, labelled the charges "disappointing".

He said: “Bringing in charges will deter visitors and will massively impact upon local businesses and residents."

It is estimated that it could cost workers up to £1,000 to park a year, the meeting heard.

However, the proposals were approved by a majority of councillors.

Councillor Joanne Howey said the extra funding would help maintain the quality of the car parks, and added: “A pound for an hour or £3 a day is less than a cup of coffee usually.”